IPOB leader Kanu not in military custody-DHQ

Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

The Defence Headquarters said on Friday that the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is not in the custody of the military.

IPOB had on 15 September said that its leader Nnamdi Kanu is in the custody of the military following a raid in his house by troops on exercise Egwu Eke 11.

But the Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche denied the allegation yesterday during the monthly press briefing when he was asked whether IPOB leader is in custody of the military. “Kanu is not in the custody of the military,” he said. General Enenche also said that it is not the responsibility of the military to declare Kanu wanted.

Defence spokesman clarified that the DHQ statement on the activities of IPOB has been misconstrued to be a proscription when in fact the military merely diagnosed the security situation. “I did not say IPOB is proscribed. I stated in the statement that I saw IPOB members blocking the road and attempting to snatch a rifle from a soldier at checkpoint.”

He said the military is investigating alleged complaints and alleged abuses during the exercise.

On Herdsmen and farmers clashes , General Enenche said that the clashes are under the watchful eye of Operation Missile. He said however, that it is difficult to categorise those faceless attackers whose identity remain unknown.

On the security apprehension lingering in the country despite the suspension of Arewa youth’s threat to Igbo to leave the North, General Enenche said that as usually with the military it feels the pause of each geopolitical zone.
“We are confident about the withdrawal and the various movements and initiatives recently embarked upon by the political class and concern citizens.”

” But that not withstanding, in case they renegade, it will be countered affectively. Nothing will happen and the military is assuring all citizens and foreigners to remain where ever they are because nothing will happen.”

He appealed to the public to furnish the security agencies with information on suspicious activities of individuals ,groups or organisations that are contrary to Nigeria’ s national security.

General Enenche maintained that the various military operations in the country under the Defence Headquarters are being sustained to ensure peace. He said that the military is not alarm that its men are in one operation or the other in 24 states of the federation.

The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the dedication of the Armed Forces to the protection of lives and property of all peace loving people where ever they live in Nigeria.

Military also reaffirmed its unalloyed loyalty to the Commander – In- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and their total subordination to constituted civil authorities.